How to Be a Sustainable Traveler:
Travel Tips for the Eco Friendly

The Complete Guide to Sustainable Traveling

Sustainable travelling is a way of living for some people. 
They choose to travel in a way that preserves the environment and ensures the safety of animals and local populations.

This guide is ideal for you if you are looking for a way to travel without harming the environment and save money simultaneously. We will tell you how to make sustainable traveling a reality and a lot of fun. This article will give you the best eco-friendly and sustainable travel hacks and some of the most common sustainable travel ideas.

Which is the most sustainable way to travel?

There are a lot of ways to travel sustainably. However, that is not always an option.
Here are a few different ideas to make the best of your travels and still be sustainable:

– Consider the carbon footprint of your destination before booking your ticket.

– Try to use public transportation as much as possible while abroad.

– When renting a car, try to rent it with an electric engine or a hybrid. Not only do the cars produce fewer emissions, but they save money on gas as well.

By following these easy tips, you can lessen your carbon footprint and help the environment simultaneously- in addition to a more enjoyable experience!

How can I minimize my carbon footprint when traveling internationally?

For most of us, it’s almost impossible to travel internationally without the use of taking a flight. We all know planes cause pollution but did you know they account for 12% of all carbon emissions from traffic and contribute to about 2% of all emissions globally

One of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint when travelling abroad is to fly with an airline committed to sustainability.
Many airlines have taken the initiative to become more environmentally friendly. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is an excellent example with its climate action plan that focuses on developing sustainable practices and reducing the company’s carbon footprint. 

Consider Traveling to Sustainable Destinations

Sustainable destinations are places that people visit and enjoy without destroying the environment. 

Scandinavia is an excellent example of a sustainable destination. It has plenty of natural beauty, but at the same time, it is not overpopulated, and it preserves its natural resources.

Phobjikha valley in Bhutan is another popular sustainable destination. It’s home to over 670 species of birds, many of which are endangered. The government has preserved this place because they want to show people how beautiful nature can be if we take care of it. So next time you want to go on an adventure, try going to a sustainable destination.

Last but not least, we need to mention the gem of the Pacific Ocean: the island of Palau. The Government of Palau has decided to change their entry passport stamp for all income tourists to show a pledge to their kids and most of all to the environment. A dream destination for nature and ocean lovers!

Palau pledge Sustainable Travel Destination
Palau Pledge Sustainable Travel Destination - Credit Palau Pledge

7 Eco-Friendly Travel Hacks for Sustainable Traveling

The 2019 World Economic Forum report estimated that tourism contributed to around 8% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. But we can all do our part! These eco-friendly travel hacks will help make your holiday more sustainable and eco-friendly, with minimal effort from your side.

1. Travel with a reusable water bottle

Bottled water at the airport or in hotels can be expensive, not to mention environmentally unfriendly. Refilling your water bottle before you go through security means you won’t have to buy wasteful bottled water at the airport or in hotels. You can find a selection of water bottles we recommend in this article.

2. Support local culture

Buying locally produced goods supports the local community and culture. Local artists and designers can share their work with a broader audience. Buying from local businesses also ensures that more money will stay in the local economy, as opposed to traveling out of the community. Supporting local culture is one of the best sutainable tavel ideas that will benefit everyone

3. Reuse anything that comes in your travel package to stay green

When it comes to the environment, it’s always important to do what you can to reduce your footprint. One of the most innovative sustainable travel ideas when it comes to saving water is by reusing any items in your travel packages – such as towels, toiletries, and linens. Every time you do so, you save an average of 13 gallons (50 liters) of water.

4. If want to stay at a hotel, ensure it is eco-friendly

Many hotels are environmentally conscious and mindful of the environment. If you want to stay in a hotel, research and see which hotels are green-friendly or have eco-friendly amenities. You can also look at their environmental policies online before booking.

5. Try to eat locally grown and sustainably sourced food.

Locally sourced food is less expensive than food that is not locally sourced. Eating locally sourced food will be fresher and help the local economy and your wallet! If you choose to eat locally sourced food, you will support the local economy and create jobs.

6. Make a sustainable travel kit

A sustainable travel kit is a perfect way to go green while traveling. It includes a reusable water bottle, a mini travel towel, a reusable fabric bag, and a reusable spork. I have included these four items and a few other essentials in my simple travel bag, such as a bamboo toothbrush. The idea is that you can save money by not having to use disposable cups, bags or bottles while also doing your part to reduce the need for single-use plastic (learn more about reducing plastic here) (learn more about reducing plastic here).

7. Travel light

This is a great way to reduce your environmental impact while traveling, as you can carry less luggage, require less luggage space on the plane, and spend less time waiting for your luggage at the airport. You will also not be as tempted to spend as much money using smaller luggage bags for traveling.

ARE YOU READY TO TRAVEL SUSTAINABLY?

Sustainable traveling is a growing trend among travelers aware of the negative impacts their travel can have on the environment. They are also more conscious about how they spend their money. These eco-friendly travelers use different methods to reduce their environmental impact. Some eco-friendly travelers pick up some tricks from other travelers, and some learn from their own experiences.

Now that you’ve read this article, you’ll know the basics of sustainable traveling. 
Join us and do your part in protecting the environment.